Loading…
College comparison
MIT vs Penn
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  MIT Cambridge, MA |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMassachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1520–1580 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,535 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $20,111 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)MIT reports higher median earnings | $143,372 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 97% |
| Median debt | $14,768 | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 3.4% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
MIT vs Penn: how they compare
Two of the most selective universities in the world, MIT and Penn share elite status but diverge sharply in educational focus and campus culture.
By the numbers Quantitative data from AdmitQuant reveals distinct profiles. They are equally selective, with a 5% acceptance rate and nearly identical SAT ranges (MIT 1520–1580, Penn 1510–1570). However, outcomes and value differ significantly. MIT's 10-year median earnings of $143k and average net price of $20k yield a 7.1× return on investment per dollar of net price, compared to Penn's $111k earnings, $29k net price, and 3.9× value multiplier. MIT also shows higher economic mobility (340% vs. 205%) and greater volatility in its admit rate (72% vs. 58%). Penn reports a strong DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3.0. Both achieve near-perfect graduation rates (MIT 96%, Penn 97%).
Where they overlap Both are premier, intensely academic institutions set in vibrant urban environments, attracting globally ambitious students. Their selectivity places them in the same ultra-competitive admissions tier.
How they differ The core divergence is in academic mission and campus culture. MIT is focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within a compact, innovation-driven community, often described as having an intense, project-centric social scene. Penn offers a broader Ivy League liberal arts and professional education through its four undergraduate schools, fostering a larger campus with a reputation for a more active and well-rounded social life.
Who each suits MIT is for the student whose identity is rooted in STEM, who thrives in a collaborative but focused environment where problem-solving is a central social and academic currency. Penn is a match for the student seeking an education that blends arts and sciences with pre-professional opportunities in business, nursing, or engineering, within a more conventionally balanced college experience.
Quick answers
- Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective: Massachusetts Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.